Device container

ABSTRACT

Device containers, such as therapeutic kit containers, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device container comprises a first member configured to releasably hold a syringe barrel, a second member configured to releasably hold a vial, wherein the second member is coupled to the first member by a first hinge, and a third member configured to releasably hold a vial adapter, wherein the third member is coupled to the second member by a second hinge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/077,365, filed Oct. 22, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/044,714, filed Jul. 25, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,849,823, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/411,739, filed Dec. 29, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,058,480, which isa § 371 filing of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2013/049322, filed Jul. 3, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/667,550, filed Jul. 3, 2012. Each ofthese applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to device containers. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to containersfor therapeutic kits having improved ergonomics, versatility,durability, and/or ease of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people suffer from diseases or medical conditions that call fortreatment by therapeutics. The preparation and administration of atherapeutic liquid to an individual often involves the mixing of two ormore medicaments or other substances to form the therapeutic liquid andthe subsequent delivery of the mixed therapeutic liquid to theindividual. The mixing of medicaments or other substances often involvesextraction of one medicament or other substance in liquid form from avial or other vessel and transfer of this medicament or other substanceinto a separate vessel, such as a syringe, that holds the othermedicament or substance.

Some therapeutics are sold to patients and caregivers as part oftherapeutic “kits.” These kits may include, for example, one or morevials, syringes, and the medicaments or substances that will form thetherapeutic liquid, as well as a container for containing thesecomponents.

Existing therapeutic kit containers suffers from many shortcomings. Forexample, many existing therapeutic kit containers are unduly largeand/or not sufficiently durable such that these containers are neitherconvenient nor safe to store or travel with. As a further example, manyexisting therapeutic kit containers are essentially empty vesselslacking ergonomic structure with no form of internal organization suchthat users may be required to dig or fumble around for the componentsthey need at a given time. Finally, while many existing therapeutic kitcontainers are capable of merely storing their contents prior to use,these containers do not include structural features that may actuallyaid the user in therapeutic liquid preparation and administration.

What are needed are new therapeutic kit containers offering improvedergonomics, versatility, durability, and/or ease of use for patients andcaregivers preparing and administering therapeutics.

It should be noted, however, that while the present discussion focusesprimarily on therapeutic kit containers, some embodiments of the devicecontainers described herein need not be limited to use with therapeutickits, and may be suitable for storing items for a variety ofnon-therapeutic and non-medical purposes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention may relate to a container having aclosed configuration and an open configuration. The container mayinclude a first member having an outer surface, a second member havingan outer surface, wherein the second member is coupled to the firstmember by a first hinge, and a third member having an outer surface,wherein the third member is coupled to the second member by a secondhinge, wherein the container is configured such that in the closedconfiguration, the outer surfaces of the first and third members areapproximately parallel to one another and facing opposite from oneanother, and wherein the container is configured such that in the openconfiguration, the outer surfaces of the first, second, and thirdmembers are approximately parallel to one another and facing the samedirection.

Embodiments of the present invention may also relate to a containerhaving a closed configuration and an open configuration. The containermay include a top panel, a side panel, wherein the side panel isconfigured to releasably hold a vial, and a bottom panel, wherein thecontainer is configured such that in the closed configuration, the topand bottom panels are approximately parallel to one another, the sidepanel is approximately perpendicular to the top and bottom panels, andthe side panel is configured to releasably hold a vial in such a waythat a longitudinal axis of the vial would be approximately parallel tothe top and bottom panels.

Embodiments of the present invention may further relate to a containerthat may include a first member configured to releasably hold a syringebarrel, a second member configured to releasably hold a vial, whereinthe second member is coupled to the first member by a first hinge, and athird member configured to releasably hold a vial adapter, wherein thethird member is coupled to the second member by a second hinge.

Embodiments of the present invention may also relate to a therapeutickit that may include a syringe barrel, a vial having a cap and a base,and a container for holding syringe barrel and the vial, where thecontainer may include a member configured to releasably hold the vial byits base, wherein the container is configured such that a user maycouple the syringe barrel to the cap of the vial without first releasingthe vial from the member.

Embodiments of the present invention may further relate to a therapeutickit that may include a syringe barrel having a longitudinal axis, a vialhaving a longitudinal axis, and a container for holding the syringebarrel and the vial, wherein the container has closed configuration andan open configuration, where the container may include a first memberconfigured to releasably hold the syringe barrel; a second memberconfigured to releasably hold the vial, wherein the longitudinal axis ofthe syringe barrel is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe vial when the container is in its closed position, and wherein thelongitudinal axis of the syringe barrel is approximately perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the vial when the container is in its openposition.

Embodiments of the present invention may also relate to a therapeutickit that may include a vial, a syringe barrel, and a container forholding the syringe barrel and the vial, where the container may includea member configured to releasably hold the vial in an upright position,wherein the container is configured to provide stability to the vialwhile the vial is releasably held in the upright position, and whereinthe container is further configured to provide stability to the syringebarrel when the syringe barrel is coupled to the vial while the vial isstill releasably held in the upright position.

In some embodiments of the present invention a container configured forreleasably holding a syringe, vial, and vial adapter may itself becontained within a larger outer packaging container that may includelabeling, marketing, or other product information on a surface of theouter packaging container.

In addition to a syringe, vial, and vial adapter, in further embodimentsof the present invention, a therapeutic kit may include additionalelements such as, for example, product instructions, an infusion needleset, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, or band-aids. Such additional elementsmay be included within the same container that holds the syringe, vial,and vial adapter, in a larger outer packaging container, or in anentirely different container that is included in the kit.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a single therapeutic kitmay be configured to hold multiple syringes, multiple vials, and/ormultiple vial adapters.

It should be noted that while the present discussion focuses primarilyon therapeutic kit containers, some embodiments of the device containersdescribed herein need not be limited to use with therapeutic kits, andmay be suitable for storing items for a variety of non-therapeutic andnon-medical purposes.

Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention,as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of thepresent invention, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention by way ofexample, and not by way of limitation, and, together with thedescription, further serve to explain the principles of the inventionand to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in an open configuration including various componentsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a therapeutic kit container in a closedconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view from above of an empty therapeutickit container in an open configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in an open configuration including various componentsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a therapeutic kit container in an openconfiguration including various components according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of a therapeutic kit container in an openconfiguration including various components according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of a therapeutic kit container in an openconfiguration including various components assembled together accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a front view of two therapeutic kit containers stacked on topof one another in closed configurations according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9B is a front view of forty-eight therapeutic kit containersstacked on top of one another in closed configurations according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in an open configuration including various componentsaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view from above of an empty therapeutickit container in an open configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exampleembodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toaffect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Many people suffer from diseases or medical conditions that call fortreatment by therapeutics. As used herein, the term “therapeutic” refersto something pertaining to the treatment or curing of a disease ormedical condition. Therapeutic treatments may involve, for example,medicaments, medical devices, or physical activities. As used herein,the term “medicament” refers to a substance for treating or curing adisease or medical condition.

Some therapeutics, such as medicaments or medical devices, may be soldto patients and caregivers as part of therapeutic “kits.” FIG. 1 is afront perspective view from above of a therapeutic kit 100 container 101in an open configuration including various components according to anembodiment of the present invention. Therapeutic kits 100 are useful topatients and caregivers because they may contain one or moremedicaments, medical devices, and/or other components in a singlepackage for use in administration of a therapy.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a therapeutic kit 100 may include a container101. A container 101 may be anything configured to contain objects orsubstances such as, for example, a carton, box, crate, can, or bottle.Containers 101 according to embodiments of the present invention maycome in a variety of shapes and sizes, be made from a variety ofmaterials, and have a variety of open and closed configurations.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated throughoutthe figures, the therapeutic kit 100 container 101 may be generallyshaped like a rectangular prism with rounded edges in its closedconfiguration. In other embodiments, the container 101 may be generallyshaped, for example, like a cube, a triangular prism, a cylinder, asphere, a cone, or a frustocone, with either straight or rounded edges.In some embodiments, rounded edges may desirable as they may presentless risk of injury to sensitive patients.

The overall size of the container 101 in its closed configuration mayvary depending on the size and shape of the medicaments, medicaldevices, and/or other components to be stored in the container. In oneembodiment, the container 101 may be between 2.1 and 3.1 inches wide,between 3.5 and 4.5 inches long, and between 1.0 and 2.0 inches tall inits closed configuration. In another embodiment, the container 101 maybe approximately 2.6 inches wide, approximately 4.0 inches long, andapproximately 1.5 inches tall in its closed configuration. In someembodiments, the overall size of the container 101 in its closedconfiguration should be minimized as a smaller container 101 may beeasier for a patient or caregiver to store or travel with, particularlyif a plurality of containers 101 are to be stored or carried.

Therapeutic kit 100 containers 101 according to embodiments of thepresent invention may be made from a wide variety of materialsincluding, for example, plastics such as polypropylene,polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethersulfone,polyethylene, polyurethane, polyetherimide, polycarbonate,polyetheretherketone, polysulfone, cyclic olefin polymer, or cyclicolefin copolymer, cardboard, paper, metal, glass, wood, or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, forming the container 101 entirely from aplastic such as polypropylene may be desirable as the resultingcontainer could be formed cost effectively by an injection moldingprocess, and may be configured to be both structurally durable andwaterproof.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the therapeutic kit 100may also include a larger outer packaging container for containing thecontainer 101. The larger outer packaging container may be used to storeand secure the container 101 at various points in time duringmanufacture, distribution, sale, and/or use, and may include labeling,marketing, or other product information on a surface of the outerpackaging container. The larger outer packaging container may be madefrom a wide variety of materials including, for example, plastics,cardboard, paper, metal, glass, wood, or combinations thereof.

Different containers 101 according to embodiments of the presentinvention may have a variety of open and closed configurations. In someembodiments, it may be desirable for the inside of a container 101 to beopen to the outside environment at all times. In such embodiments, thecontainer 101 may only have a single configuration whereby contents maybe freely added or removed from the open container 101. In otherembodiments, it may be desirable for the container to have discrete openand closed configurations, wherein the contents of the container 101 arenot readily accessible from the outside environment in the closedconfiguration, but are readily accessible from the outside environmentin the open configuration.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustratesa therapeutic kit 100 container 101 (including various components) in anopen configuration, while FIG. 2 illustrates the therapeutic kit 100container 101 in a closed configuration. In both configurations, thecontainer, or portions thereof, may form one or more interior cavities114 within the container 101.

The container 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be considered to be made upof a plurality of members. These members include a first member 102, asecond member 104, and a third member 106. In other embodiments, thecontainer 101 may be made up of less than or greater than three members.The first member 102 and the third member 106 illustrated in FIG. 1include relatively large flat panels and upwardly projecting sidewalls,while the second member 104 more closely resembles a smaller flat panelwithout upwardly projecting sidewalls.

The first member 102, second member 104, and third member 106 may bejoined together by one or more hinges 108. For the container 101illustrated in FIG. 1, the first member 102 is joined to the secondmember 104 by a first hinge 108, and the second member 104 is joined tothe third member 106 by a second hinge 108. Hinges 108 may be, forexample, living hinges, butt hinges, flush hinges, barrel hinges,concealed hinges, or piano hinges. In some embodiments, one or morehinges may not be present and members of the container 101 may becompletely separable from one another. In an embodiment where thecontainer 101 is formed from a plastic by an injection molding process,living hinges 108 connecting various members may be formed during theinjection molding process.

Therapeutic kit 100 containers 101 according to embodiments of thepresent invention may contain one or more medicaments, medical devices,and/or other components for use in administration of a therapy. Withreference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a container 100 may beconfigured to store a syringe 200, a vial 300, and a vial adapter 400.The syringe 200 may optionally be separated into syringe 200 barrel 202and syringe 200 plunger rod 204 components while in storage in thecontainer 100. In other embodiments, the container 101 may be configuredto store less or more components than those specified above, orconfigured to store entirely different components.

Some therapeutic treatments involve the preparation and administrationof a therapeutic liquid to a patient, which may involve the mixing oftwo or more medicaments or other substances to form the therapeuticliquid. The mixing of medicaments or other substances often involvesextraction of one medicament or substance in liquid form from a vial 300or other vessel and transfer of this medicament substance into aseparate vessel (such as a syringe 200 barrel 202) that holds the othermedicament or substance. Accordingly, therapeutic kits 100 includingcontainers 101, such as those described herein with respect toembodiments of the present invention, may offer improved ergonomics,versatility, durability, and/or ease of use for patients and caregiverspreparing and administering therapeutics.

Returning to a discussion of the configuration of the container 101itself, FIG. 2 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutickit 100 container 101 in a closed configuration according to anembodiment of the present invention. Because the container 101 isillustrated here in a closed configuration, only the outer surface 110of the container 101 can be seen in this figure. As illustrated, thefirst member 102 is located on the bottom half of the container 101 inthe closed configuration. This is the same first member 102 that wasillustrated as being on the left side of FIG. 1. The third member 106 islocated on the top half of the container 101 in the closedconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This is the same third member106 that was illustrated as being on the right side of FIG. 1. BecauseFIG. 2 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kit 100container 101 in a closed configuration, neither the second member 104nor any hinges 108 are visible from this view.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the container 101 may beconsidered to have a front side 122 and a right side 128 that arevisible in this view. A rear side 124 and a left side 126 are notvisible in this view. In addition, the container 101 may be consideredto have a top panel 116, which is a relatively large, flat panel formingpart of the outer surface 110 of the third member 106. In someembodiments, the container 101 may also include a release element 130that may aid in transitioning the container 101 from a closedconfiguration to an open configuration, as described in further detailbelow. In FIG. 2, a single release element 130 is illustrated on theright side 128 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the releaseelement 130 may be located elsewhere, or multiple release elements 130may be present.

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view from above of the therapeutic kit 100container 101 in a closed configuration according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. Because the container 101 is illustrated here ina closed configuration, only the outer surface 110 of the container 101can be seen in this figure. As illustrated, the first member 102 islocated on the bottom half of the container 101 in the closedconfiguration. This is the same first member 102 that was illustrated asbeing on the bottom half of the container 101 in FIG. 2, but from adifferent angle. The third member 106 is located on the top half of thecontainer 101 in the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 3A.This is the same third member 106 that was illustrated as being on thetop half of the container 101 in FIG. 2. Because FIG. 3A is a rearperspective view from above of a therapeutic kit 100 container 101 in aclosed configuration, both the second member 104 and two discrete hinges108 are visible from this view.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, the container 101 may beconsidered to have a rear side 124 and a left side 126 that are visiblein this view. A front side 122 and a right side 128 are not visible inthis view. In addition, the top panel 116 of the container 101 that wasillustrated in FIG. 2 is also visible here in FIG. 3, but from adifferent angle. The top panel 116 is a relatively large, flat panelforming part of the outer surface 110 of the third member 106. Inaddition to the release element 130 on the right side 128 of thecontainer 101 illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the container101 may also include a release element 130 on its left side 126 asillustrated in FIG. 3A. The release elements 130 may aid intransitioning the container 101 from a closed configuration to a closedconfiguration, as described in further detail below.

Although the release elements 130 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3Aas being located on the first member 102 of the container 101, on otherembodiments, one or more release elements 130 may instead be located onthe second member 104 or the third member 106 of the container 101. Insome embodiments, the container 101 may include release elements 130 onboth the first member 102 and the third member 106 that are verticallyaligned with one another. Another embodiment may include releaseelements 130 as depicted in FIG. 11.

It should also be noted that, in an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.3A, the container 101 may include one or more mating elements for matingwith other containers 101 that are stacked on top of or below thecontainer 101. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the container 101may include a plurality of top mating elements 132 on the outer surface110 of the third member 106. In an embodiment, the top mating elements132 may be upward facing depressions located at or near the corners ofthe third member 106. As explained in further detail below, the topmating elements 132 of one container 101 may mate with complementaryelements of another container 101 to allow multiple containers 101 to beconveniently and securely stacked for storage or travel.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the therapeutic kit 100 container 101 in aclosed configuration according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Because the container 101 is illustrated here in a closedconfiguration, only the outer surface 110 of the container 101 can beseen in this figure. As illustrated, the first member 102 is located onthe bottom of the container 101 in the closed configuration. This is thesame first member 102 that was illustrated as being on the bottom halfof the container 101 in FIG. 3A, but from a different angle. BecauseFIG. 3B is a bottom view of a therapeutic kit 100 container 101 in aclosed configuration, both the second member 104 and the third member106 are not visible from this view. A hinge 108, which happens to be aliving hinge 108, is visible from this view.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, the container 101 may beconsidered to have a bottom panel 118, which is a relatively large, flatpanel forming part of the outer surface 110 of the first member 102. Itshould also be noted that, in an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B,the container 101 may include one or more mating elements for matingwith other containers 101 that are stacked on top of or below thecontainer 101. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the container 101may include a plurality of bottom mating elements 134 on the outersurface 110 of the first member 102. In an embodiment, the bottom matingelements 134 may be downward facing extensions located at or near thecorners of the first member 102. As explained in further detail below,these bottom mating elements 134 of one container 101 may mate withcomplementary top mating elements 132 of another container 101, asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 3A, to allow multiple containers101 to be conveniently and securely stacked for storage or travel.

In some embodiments, mating elements, such as top mating elements 132and bottom mating elements 134, may not be present in the container 101.In other embodiments, the mating elements may take on substantiallydifferent mating configurations beyond depressions and extensions, orthe positions of the depressions and extensions may be swapped.

Returning to a discussion of the inner surface 112 of the container 101,FIG. 4 is a front perspective view from above of an empty therapeutickit 100 container 101 in an open configuration according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the syringe200, vial 300, and vial adapter 400 have been removed from the container101.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the first member 102 mayinclude several structural features that are designed to releasably holda syringe 200 in the container 101. For example, on the inner surface112 of the container 101, the first member 102 may include one or moresupport walls. Support walls may be upwardly extending walls configuredto releasably mate with the syringe 200 or components thereof.

In one embodiment, on the inner surface 112 of the container 101, thefirst member 102 may include a first support wall 142 and a secondsupport wall 144. The first support wall 142 may extend upwardly fromthe inner surface 112 of the first member 102 of the container 101, andmay run from the left side 126 of the container to the right side 128 ofthe container. In other embodiments, the first support wall 142 may beoriented with respect to the first member 102 in a different fashion, ormay not run all the way across the container 101 from one side toanother. In an embodiment, the wall may consist of two or more discretewalls. In still other embodiments, instead of a “wall,” the supportingstructure may be a block, sphere, or other suitable shaped supportstructure.

In one embodiment, the first support wall 142 may include certainstructural features that may to allow it to releasably mate with thesyringe 200 or components thereof. For example, in FIG. 4, the firstsupport wall 142 includes an arcuate depression 146 and a groove 148. Inother embodiments, the first support wall 142 may include additionalarcuate depressions 146 and/or grooves 148, may not include thesefeatures, or may include additional structural features to allow thefirst support wall 142 to releasably mate with the syringe 200 orcomponents thereof.

The arcuate depression 146 may be a semi-circular void in the otherwisecontinuous structure of the first support wall 142 that may beconfigured to releasably mate with a syringe 200 barrel 202. Inembodiments where the syringe 200 barrel 202 is not cylindrical, adepression that is shaped differently than the arcuate depression 146may be more appropriate. The size and shape of the depression may bevaried according to the syringe 200 barrel 202.

The groove 148 may be a slit, thin rectangular carve out, thintriangular carve out, or other suitable void in the otherwise continuousstructure of the first support wall 142 that may be configured toreleasably mate with a syringe 200 plunger rod 204 where the plunger rod204 is stored separately from the barrel 202. Grooves 148 may beappropriate in embodiments where the syringe 200 plunger rod 204 has a“X” shaped cross section formed from four equally spaced support beams,so that one of the beams may extend downward into a groove 148. Inembodiments where the syringe 200 plunger rod 204 does not have an “X”shaped cross section, a groove 148 that is shaped differently than thatdepicted in FIG. 4 may be more appropriate. The size and shape of thegroove 148 may be varied according to the syringe 200 plunger rod 204.

In one embodiment, in addition to the first support wall 142, the innersurface 112 of the first member 102 of the container 101 may alsoinclude a second support wall 144. The second support wall 144 mayextend upwardly from the inner surface 112 of the first member 102 ofthe container 101, and may run from the left side 126 of the containerto the right side 128 of the container. In other embodiments, the secondsupport wall 144 may be oriented with respect to the first member 102 ina different fashion. In an embodiment, the first support wall 142 may belocated closer to the front side 122 of the container 101, while thesecond support wall 144 may be located closer to the rear side 124 ofthe container 101.

In one embodiment, the second support wall 144 may include certainstructural features that may to allow it to releasably mate with thesyringe 200 or components thereof, and possibly the vial 300 or portionsthereof. For example, in FIG. 4, the second support wall 144 includes anarcuate depression 146 and a groove 148. In other embodiments, thesecond support wall 144 may include additional arcuate depressions 146,147 and/or grooves 148, may not include these features, or may includeadditional structural features to allow the second support wall 144 toreleasably mate with the syringe 200 or components thereof. In anembodiment, the second support wall 144 may include an arcuatedepression 147 designed to conform to the shape of the vial 300 when thecontainer 101 is in its closed configuration and the vial 300 and thesecond support wall 144 of the first member 102 are brought intoproximity with one another.

As with the arcuate depression 146 described with respect to the firstsupport wall 142, the arcuate depression 146 of the second support wall144 may be a semi-circular void in the otherwise continuous structure ofthe second support wall 144 that may be configured to releasably matewith a syringe 200 barrel 202. In embodiments where the syringe 200barrel 202 is not cylindrical, a depression that is shaped differentlythan the arcuate depression 146 may be more appropriate. The size andshape of the depression may be varied according to the syringe 200barrel 202.

As with the groove 148 described with respect to the first support wall142, the groove 148 of the second support wall 144 may be a slit, thinrectangular carve out, thin triangular carve out, or other suitable voidin the otherwise continuous structure of the second support wall 144that may be configured to releasably mate with a syringe 200 plunger rod204 where the plunger rod 204 is stored separately from the barrel 202.Grooves 148 may be appropriate in embodiments where the syringe 200plunger rod 204 has a “X” shaped cross section formed from four equallyspaced support beams, so that one of the beams may extend downward intoa groove 148. In embodiments where the syringe 200 plunger rod 204 doesnot have an “X” shaped cross section, a groove 148 that is shapeddifferently than that depicted in FIG. 4 may be more appropriate. Thesize and shape of the groove 148 may be varied according to the syringe200 plunger rod 204.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate depressions 146and/or grooves 148 of the first support wall 142 and the second supportwall 144 may be aligned with one another so that the first member 102may hold the syringe 200 barrel 202 and the syringe 200 plunger rod 204in a way that efficiently uses space within the container 101.

In some embodiments, first support wall 142 and/or second support wall144 may include, in addition to grooves 148, one or more other suitablevoids. For example, FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment where an additionalvoid or groove shaped and arranged perpendicular to the first groove 148such that a syringe 200 plunger rod 204 having an “X” shaped crosssection formed from four equally spaced support beams could be placeinto and/or held by the first support wall 142 and/or second supportwall 144 material forming the additional void or groove. In someembodiments, the first support wall 142 and/or second support wall 144may include structural features that are designed to releasably hold thesyringe 200 plunger rod 204 in the container 101, such as one or morehooks 150.

In other embodiments, the first support wall 142 and/or second supportwall 144 may include structural features that are designed to releasablyhold the syringe 200 barrel 202 in the container 101, such as one ormore hooks 150 that may be incorporated in to the arcuate depressions146, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first member 102 mayinclude several additional structural features that are designed toreleasably hold the syringe 200 in the container 101. For example, onthe inner surface 112 of the container 101, the first member 102 mayalso include one or more hooks 150. Hooks 150 may be curved, bulbous, orotherwise shaped extensions of or additions to the first member 102 thatare configured to releasably mate with the syringe 200 or componentsthereof.

In one embodiment, on the inner surface 112 of the container 101, thefirst member 102 may include a first support wall 142 and a secondsupport wall 144. The first support wall 142 may one hook 150 for matingwith the syringe 200 barrel 202 and another hook 150 for mating with thesyringe 200 plunger rod 204. As will be described in further detailbelow, the first support wall 142 and the second support wall 144 maywork in concert with these hooks 150 such that the syringe 200 barrel202 and the syringe 200 plunger rod 204 may be releasably placed in andremoved from the container 101 by friction fitting.

In other embodiments, hooks 150 may include hinges, springs, or otherstructural features that may aid in their ability to releasably hold thesyringe 200. In still other embodiments, hinges, springs, or otherstructural features may exist in the absence of hooks 150.

In some embodiments, discrete hooks 150 may not be present. Instead, asshown in FIG. 11, the first support wall 142 and/or second support wall144 may include structural features that are designed to releasably holdthe syringe 200 barrel 202 and/or plunger rod 204 in the container 101that are directly be incorporated in to the arcuate depressions 146, butare not discrete separate hooks 150.

With further reference to FIG. 4, in other embodiments, the secondmember 104 may include structural features that are designed toreleasably hold a vial 300 or other vessel in the container 101. Forexample, on the inner surface 112 of the container 101, the secondmember 104 may include a sleeve 152 or other structure for releasablymating with the vial 300 or components thereof.

In various embodiments, the inner surface 112 of the second member 104may be configured to hold the vial 300 in a variety of differentorientations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the second member104 may include a cylindrical sleeve 152 that may be suited toreleasably hold a generally cylindrically shaped vial 300. A cylindricalshaped sleeve 152 may be best suited to releasably hold a vial by itscap 302 or base 304, as these structures may fit matingly within acylindrical shaped sleeve 152. In other embodiments, a sleeve 152 maytake on other shapes as necessary to hold a vial 300 on its side.

In embodiments where the vial 300 is not cylindrical, a sleeve 152 thatis shaped differently than the sleeve 152 of FIG. 4 may be moreappropriate. The size and shape of the sleeve 152 may be variedaccording to the vial 300. Additionally, means other than sleeves 152may be used to secure a vial in other embodiments. For example,adhesives, hook and look fasteners, snaps, slots, or other means may beused.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the sleeve 152 includes fourupwardly extending walls equally spaced apart and defining four equallyspaced apart voids. The sleeve 152 may form a generally cylindrical,generally frustoconial, or other appropriate shape. In some embodiments,the sleeve 152 may include fewer or greater than three upwardlyextending walls and voids. The sleeve 152 may be centered on the innersurface 112 of the second member 104, or it may be offset from center.

With further reference to FIG. 4, in other embodiments, the third member106 may include structural features that are designed to releasably holda vial adapter 400 in the container 101. In some embodiments, the vialadapter 400 may have a skirt 404 at its base. Accordingly, on the innersurface 112 of the container 101, the third member 106 may include oneor more slots 154 and/or guides 156 for interfacing with the vialadapter 400 skirt 404.

As depicted in FIG. 4, slots 154 may consist of relatively short railsor tabs extending from the bottom and/or sides walls of the third member106. As explained in further detail below in reference to other figures,it may be possible to slide or bend and insert the skirt 404 of a vialadapter 400, or portions thereof, under one or more slots 154 toreleasably secure the vial adapter 400 to the container 101. FIG. 4depicts one slot 154 extending from the left side 126 sidewall of thethird member 106, and one slot 154 extending from the right side 128 ofthe bottom of the third member 106. In other embodiments, fewer orgreater than two slots 154 may be employed, or slots may be entirelyomitted.

As further depicted in FIG. 4, guides 156 may consist of relativelysmall bumps extending upward from the bottom surface of the third member106. As explained in further detail below in reference to other figures,it may be possible to slide or bend and insert the skirt 404 of a vialadapter 400, or portions thereof, past or over one or more guides 156to, in combination with one or more slots 154, releasably secure thevial adapter 400 to the container 101. FIG. 4 depicts one guide 156 bumpextending from the bottom surface of the third member 106 toward theleft side 126 of the third member 106, and another guide 156 bumpextending from the bottom surface of the third member 106 toward theright side 128 of the third member 106. In other embodiments, fewer orgreater than two guides 156 may be employed, or guides 156 may beentirely omitted. In some embodiments, guides 156 may take on otherconfigurations beyond small bumps.

FIG. 4 also illustrates exemplary components of the container 101 thatmay aid in transitioning the container 101 from an open configuration toa closed configuration, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, a continuous two-step rim 138 runs across the upperedge of the sidewalls of the first member 102 of the container 101. Inthe illustrated embodiment, there is a discontinuity in this bottom rim138 at the point where there is also a discontinuity in the sidewall dueto the need to accommodate the second member 104 when the container 101is in its closed configuration.

In addition, there may be a complimentary continuous two-step rim 136that runs across the upper edge of the sidewalls of the third member 106of the container 101. In the illustrated embodiment, there is adiscontinuity in this top rim 136 at the point where there is also adiscontinuity in the sidewall due to the need to accommodate the secondmember 104 when the container 101 is in its closed configuration.

The bottom rim 138 and the top rim 136 may matingly connect when thecontainer 101 is transitioned to its closed configuration. In thisconfiguration the two-step arrangement of one rim will meet with anopposite two-step arrangement of the other rim to create a closed seal.

In some embodiments of the present invention, this closed seal may belocked from unintended opening by way of one or more closure elements140. Closure elements 140 may be any suitable locking means of variouslevels of complexity. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 theclosure elements 140 may consist of a snap-fit elements. A snap-fit is amechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment may beaccomplished with locking features that are homogenous with one or theother of the components being joined. Joining requires the flexiblelocking features to move aside for engagement with the mating part,followed by return of the locking feature toward its original positionto accomplish the interference required to latch the componentstogether.

In one embodiment, the snap-fit closure elements 140 may include one ormore locking protrusions on the bottom rim 138 of the first member 102,and corresponding mating locking indentations on the top rim 136 of thethird member 106. When the container 101 is manipulated from its openconfiguration to its closed configuration, the top rim 136 of the thirdmember 106 may be urged toward the bottom rim 138 of the first member102 in such a way that the locking indentations on the top rim 136 slideover the locking protrusions on the bottom rim 138 thus locking thethird member 106 in place against the first member 102.

In some embodiments, the container 101 may also include a releaseelement 130 that may aid in transitioning the container 101 from aclosed configuration to a closed configuration, such as the releaseelements 130 depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A. More specifically, the leftside 126 and the right side 128 of the first member 102 may each have arelease element 130 in the shape of a spherical dimple located justbelow the locking protrusions on the bottom rim 138 on the outer surface110 of the container 101. An exemplary release element 130 can be seenin FIG. 4. To release the locking mechanism, a user may apply pressureto the one or more release elements 130 which may cause the side wallsand the bottom rim 138 of the first member 102 to flex inward slightly.This inward flexion may result in the locking protrusions on the bottomrim 138 being pulled out of a locking configuration with the lockingindentations on the top rim 136. Accordingly, the first member 102 andthe third member 106 may be released from one another, the container 101may be manipulated to an open configuration.

In other embodiments, other types of locking mechanisms employingalternate closure elements 140 and release elements 130 may be employed.In some embodiments less than or greater than two sets of closureelements 140 and release elements 130 may be employed, and in someembodiments closure elements 140 and release elements 130 may not beused at all.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various views of a therapeutic kit container in anopen configuration, including various components being stored inside thecontainer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kitcontainer in an open configuration including various componentsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5. Illustratesa view that is similar to that of FIG. 4, except that a syringe 200,vial 300, and vial adapter 400 are in place in the container 101 in FIG.5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 in particular, in an embodiment of thepresent invention, the first support wall 142 and the second supportwall 144 of the first member 102 may work in concert with two hooks 150of the first member 102 to hold a syringe 200 barrel 202 and the syringe200 plunger rod 204 releasably in place via friction fitting.

Specifically, the syringe 200 barrel 202 and the syringe 200 plunger rod204 may be placed into the first member 102 of the container 101 byputting the barrel 202 and the plunger rod 204 approximately in placeand applying downward pressure to them such that the hooks 150 aretemporarily bent, misaligned, or otherwise temporarily dislodged whilethe barrel 202 and the plunger rod 204 are moved into position.Eventually, the hooks 150 will have the freedom of movement to realignto their original position (or close to it) to accomplish theinterference required to releasably hold the barrel 202 and the plungerrod 204 in place.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the first member 102 maybe configured with open space to accommodate a backstop 206 (or fingerflange) and a hub 208 of the barrel 202 of a syringe 200, and open spaceto accommodate a head 210 of the plunger rod 204 of a syringe 200. Inother embodiments, the first member 102 may be specifically configured(e.g. with additional support walls, hooks, or other structuralelements) with specific components for coupling to a backstop 206, hub208, and/or head 210 of the syringe 200.

When it is desirable to remove the barrel 202 and the plunger rod 204from the first member 102, upward pressure may be applied to the barrel202 and the plunger rod 204 such that the hooks 150 are temporarilybent, misaligned, or otherwise temporarily dislodged while the barrel202 and the plunger rod 204 are pulled out of the first member 102.Eventually, the hooks 150 will have the freedom of movement to realignto their original position (or close to it).

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, in an embodiment of the present invention,the sleeve 152 of the second member 104 may be configured to releasablyhold a vial 300 or other vessel in the container 101. The second member104 may include a cylindrical or frustoconically shaped sleeve 152 thatmay be suited to releasably hold a generally cylindrically shaped vial300. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the sleeve 152 includes fourupwardly extending walls equally spaced apart and defining four equallyspaced apart voids. In some embodiments, the sleeve 152 may includefewer or greater than three upwardly extending walls and voids. Thesleeve 152 may be centered on the inner surface 112 of the second member104, or it may be offset from center.

Because of the configuration of this exemplary sleeve 152, in anembodiment, the sleeve may be configured to releasably hold the vial 200by its base 304, as best illustrated by FIG. 7. In this manner, the vial300 is held upright with its base 304 being securely grasped by thesleeve 152, and its cap 302 being presented upward away from the secondmember 104. The four walls of the sleeve 152 may work in concert to holdthe vial 200 by its base 304 via friction fitting.

Specifically, the vial 300 may be placed into the second member 104 ofthe container 101 by putting the vial 300 approximately in place andapplying downward pressure to it such that the four walls of the sleeve152 are slightly deformed outward while the vial 300 is moved intoposition. In some embodiments, a generally cylindrically shaped sleeve152 may apply pressure relatively equally along the height of the base304 of the vial 300, while a generally frustoconically shaped sleeve 152that tapers in an upward direction may apply slightly more pressure at ahigher point of the base 304 of the vial 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, in an embodiment of the presentinvention, the slots 154 and guides 156 of the third member 106 may beconfigured to releasably hold a vial adapter 400 in the container 101.As best illustrated in FIG. 6, slots 154 may consist of relatively shortrails or tabs extending from the bottom and/or sides walls of the thirdmember 106. As can be seen in FIG. 6, it may be possible to slide orbend and insert the skirt 404 of a vial adapter 400, or portionsthereof, under one or more slots 154 to releasably secure the vialadapter 400 to the container 101.

As further depicted in FIG. 6, guides 156 may consist of relativelysmall bumps extending upward from the bottom surface of the third member106. In an embodiment, it may be possible to slide or bend and insertthe skirt 404 of a vial adapter 400, or portions thereof, past or overone or more guide 156 bumps to, in combination with one or more slots154, releasably secure the vial adapter 400 to the container 101 viafriction fitting.

Specifically, the vial adapter 400 may be slid or placed into the thirdmember 106 of the container 101 by putting the vial adapter 400approximately in place and applying a sliding pressure to it such thatthe skirt 404 of the vial adapter 400 flexes and passes over the guide156 bumps, or by applying pressure to the flexible skirt 404 of the vialadapter 400 such that the edges of the flexible skirt 404 aretemporarily bent or folded until they can fit underneath the slots 154.

Therapeutic kits 100 including containers 101, such as those describedherein with respect to embodiments of the present invention, offerimproved ergonomics, versatility, durability, and/or ease of use forpatients and caregivers preparing and administering therapeutics. Insome embodiments, the containers 101, possibly including first 102,second 104, and third 106 members, may be manipulated in a variety ofways between open and closed configurations to optimally conceal andpresent their contents to users.

In one embodiment, a container 101 may be configured such that in theclosed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer surfaces 110of the first 102 and third 106 members are approximately parallel to oneanother and facing opposite from one another, while in the openconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer surfaces 110 of thefirst 102, second 104, and third 106 members are approximately parallelto one another and facing the same direction.

In another embodiment, a container 101 may be configured such that inthe closed configuration, a top panel of the third member 106 and abottom panel of the first member 102 are approximately parallel to oneanother, and a side panel, such as a side panel of the second member104, is approximately perpendicular to the top and bottom panels. Thecontainer 101 may further be configured such that in the closedconfiguration, the side panel is configured to releasably hold a vial300 in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the vial 300 (i.e. an axisrunning down the center of the vial 300 between its cap 302 and its base304) would be approximately parallel to the top and bottom panels.

In yet another embodiment, a container 101 may be configured such thatin the closed configuration, the longitudinal axis of the syringe 200barrel 202 (i.e. an axis running down the center of the syringe 200barrel 202 between its backstop 206 and its hub 208) is approximatelyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the vial 300, and in the openconfiguration, the longitudinal axis of the syringe 200 barrel 202 isapproximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vial 300.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of a therapeutic kit container 101 in anopen configuration including a disassembled syringe 200, vial 300, andvial adapter 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Incontrast, FIG. 8 is a right side view of a therapeutic kit container 101in an open configuration including the syringe 200, vial 300, and vialadapter 400 assembled together according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

As previously discussed, the preparation and administration of atherapeutic liquid to an individual often involves the mixing of two ormore medicaments or other substances to form the therapeutic liquid andthe subsequent delivery of the mixed therapeutic liquid to theindividual. The mixing of medicaments or other substances often involvesextraction of one medicament or other substance in liquid form from avial 300 or other vessel and transfer of this medicament or othersubstance into a separate vessel, such as a syringe 200, that holds theother medicament or substance.

Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 8, in an embodiment of the presentinvention, it may be desirable to connect the syringe 200, vial 300, andvial adapter 400 to prepare a therapeutic liquid. In one embodiment, thesyringe 200 plunger rod 204 may be inserted into and locked to thesyringe 200 barrel 202, the hub 208 of the syringe 200 barrel 202 may beattached to the connector 402 of the vial adapter 400, and an interiorneedle (not illustrated) of the vial adapter 400 may pierce through thecap 302 of the vial 300, while the skirt 404 of the vial adapter 400rests upon the outer edges of the vial 300 cap 302.

An exemplary method for coupling the syringe 200, vial 300, and vialadapter 400 to prepare a therapeutic liquid for injection is nowdescribed. However, various other methods and sequences of steps mayalternatively be used to accomplish therapeutic liquid preparation.

First, a user may open the container 101 such that the second member 104lies flat on a preparation surface and the top of the cap 302 of thevial 300 is presented upward. Next, the user may remove the vial adapter400 from the third member 106 of the container 101 by sliding the vialadapter 400 out of the slots 154 of other releasable holding mechanisms.Then the user may place the vial adapter 400 on top of the cap 302 ofthe vial 300 and push downward on the vial adapter 400 such that the aninterior needle (not illustrated) of the vial adapter 400 may piercethrough the cap 302 of the vial 300. In other embodiments, the vialadapter 400 and vial 300 may be connected by mechanisms other than byhaving an interior needle of the vial adapter 400 pierce through the cap302 of the vial 300. For example, the vial adapter 400 may include afastener mechanism capable of mating with a compatible fastenermechanism of the cap 302 of the vial 300. Suitable fastener mechanismsmay include, for example, a plastic Luer lock or other suitablethreaded, friction fit, or other fastening means.

Next, the user may remove the barrel 202 and the plunger rod 204 of thesyringe 200 from the first member 102 of the container 101 by releasingthem from the first support wall 142, second support wall 144, hooks150, or other releasable holding mechanisms. The user may then assemblethe barrel 202 and the plunger rod 204 of the syringe 200 together toform a complete syringe 200. At this point, the user may connect thesyringe 200 to the vial adapter 400 by connecting the syringe 200 hub208 to the connector 402 of the vial adapter. The connector 402 of thevial adapter and/or the hub 208 of the syringe may include fastenermechanisms capable of mating with a compatible fastener mechanism ofeach other. Suitable fastener mechanisms may include, for example, aplastic Luer lock, Luer cone, Luer slip, or other suitable threaded,friction fit, or other fastening means.

Assembling a syringe 200, vial adapter 400, and vial 300 into a long,continuous structure, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and described above, canbe difficult for patients and caregivers. Some individuals prefer to tryto assemble the structure in an upright fashion with the base of thevial 300 resting on a level surface, such as a tabletop, with the head210 of the syringe 200 plunger rod 204 pointing upward. However, thisarrangement can be very unstable and prone to toppling over in responseto the slightest environmental disturbances, such as a slight vibrationor movement of a table that the arrangement is stacked upon. The pointat which the user presses downward on the vial adapter 400 such that thean interior needle of the vial adapter 400 pierces through the cap 302of the vial 300 is a particularly vulnerable time when the entireapparatus may topple over if not stable. Similar potential instabilitymay also occur when the user connects the syringe 200 to the vialadapter 400 by connecting the syringe 200 hub 208 to the connector 402of the vial adapter. In addition, as a substance is drawn into thesyringe 200 from the vial 300, the arrangement becomes top-heavy, thusfurther destabilizing it.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, these problems maybe solved by configuring the container 101 such that patient orcaregiver can assemble the syringe 200, vial adapter 400, and vial 300together while these elements are supported by the container 101 itself.This may be accomplished by building the continuous structure ofelements starting with the vial 300, which may be removably secured bythe container 101.

Moreover, according to embodiments of the present invention, thecontainer 101 may be configured such that the base 304 of the vial 300may be removably secured to the container 101 while the cap 302 of thevial is displayed upwardly and freely engaged by the vial adapter 400,while the base 304 of the vial 300 is still held in position.

Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention thecontainer 101 may secure the vial 300 in such a way that when thecontainer 101 is manipulated from its closed configuration to its openconfiguration, the vial 300 does not have to be moved or otherwisereoriented, but is automatically in the proper position to be engaged bythe vial adapter 400. In this way, regardless of the way the vial 300 isoriented during storage, the cap 302 of the vial 300 may be upwardlydisplayed in the open configuration.

In embodiments employing a first member 102, second member 104, andthird member 106, as described above, the arrangement of the container101 may provide a further advantage in that first member 102 and thethird member 106 may provide wide, stable bases with which to ground andsupport the central second member 102 including the sleeve 152 acting asthe base for the vial 300. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in thisconfiguration, were forces to act upon the syringe 200, vial adapter400, vial 300 arrangement to potentially destabilize it (as illustratedby curved arrows), the stable base provided by the interconnected firstmember 102, second member 104, and third member 106 could resist suchforces.

In some embodiments of the present invention, portions of the firstmember 102, second member 104, and/or third member 106 that may contacta working surface (such as a table) during assembly may be specificallyadapted to increase the friction between the container 101 and theworking surface to further stabilize the arrangement. For example, insome embodiments, increased texture maybe provided by using materialssuch as rubber, or by scoring, stippling, adding dimples, ridges, orother textural surface elements.

Accordingly, such a container 101 configuration may be capable ofproviding improved ergonomics, versatility, durability, and/or ease ofuse.

In addition, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 4, in some embodiments,when the vial adapter 400 is removed from the third member 106 to beplaced on the cap 302 of the vial, the inner surface 112 of the thirdmember 106 becomes an essentially open, sterile working area. This openspace may advantageously be used as a working or staging area totemporarily set or store the syringe 200, retracted vial adapter 400, orother ancillary elements (e.g. instructions, an infusion needle set,alcohol swabs, gauze pads, or band-aids) while preparing for aninjection.

In some embodiments of the present invention, when the user has finishedusing the elements of the therapeutic kit 100 container 101 for theirintended purpose (e.g. to administer an injection), the elements may beplaced back in the container 101 to be discarded. In embodiments wherethe container 101 is made from a durable material, such as a durablepolypropylene, and has a suitable closure mechanism, such as closureelement 140, the container 101 may serve as a durable, secure means todispose of potentially dangerous and/or hazardous items such as needlesof a syringe 200.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in their closed configurations,containers 101 according to embodiments of the present invention may becapable of being stacked and stored in large quantities due to theirergonomic features and compact size.

In FIG. 9A, a first container 101 is stacked on top of a secondcontainer 101. As explained above, the upper container 101 may include aplurality of bottom mating elements 134 on the outer surface 110 of itsfirst member 102, while the lower container 101 may include a pluralityof top mating elements 132 on the outer surface 110 of its third member106. The bottom mating elements 134 of one container 101 may mate withcomplementary top mating elements 132 of the other container 101 toallow multiple containers 101 to be conveniently and securely stackedfor storage or travel.

FIG. 9B illustrates forty-eight individual containers 101 stacked uponone another. Certain diseases or medical conditions may require theadministration of medicaments that only remain stable for significantperiods of time while under refrigeration. To the extent that these samediseases or medical conditions may require frequent (e.g. daily) dosing,it may be important to patients and caregivers to be able to store largequantities of the medicaments under refrigeration so that multiple tripsto the medicament vendor need not be made. Common restrainedrefrigeration environments may include, for example, householdrefrigerators, dormitory refrigerators, or hospital refrigerators.

To the extent that such medicaments are most conveniently distributedand used as a part of therapeutic kits 100, the containers 101 for suchkits 100 should be as small and easily stackable as possible.Accordingly, containers 100 according to embodiments of the presentinvention described above having relatively compact dimensions inaddition to convenient, ergonomic stacking features may provideadvantages to patients or caregivers having bulk storage needs.

In some embodiments for use with medicaments, such as, for example,medicaments that require refrigeration to remain stable, it may bedesirable to increase the level of thermal insulation of the container101. In this way, the container (and medicament carried within in) willremain cooler longer even if a user carries the container 101 whiletraveling in a non-refrigerated traveling bag, such as a backpack,purse, diaper bag, or luggage, in a warm environment. In one embodiment,the container 101 is thermally insulated by thickening the walls of thecontainer 101 that make up the first 102, second 104, and third 106members. In another embodiment, the container 101 is thermally insulatedby applying additional insulating layers to the container 101, such aslayers made from, for example, mineral wool, glass wool, flexibleelastomeric foams, rigid foams, polyethylene, silica aerogel insulation,or bladders filled with gasses or liquids such as air or water.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view from above of a therapeutic kit 100container 101 in an open configuration including various componentsaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

In contrast with the interior surfaces 112 of the therapeutic kit 100containers 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4-6, it should be noted thatthis alternative container 101 is configured to store some of thesyringe 200, vial 300, and vial adapter 400 in different locations thatpreviously described above. Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 10,in addition to the vial 300, the syringe 200 barrel 202 and the syringeplunger rod 204 are also both releasably secured in the central secondmember 104 of the container 101. Accordingly, while one of the firstmember 102 and the third member 106 are left to house the vial adapter400, the other of these members is left as an open, sterile workingarea. This working area may be advantageously used to temporarily set orstore the syringe 200, retracted vial adapter 400, or other ancillaryelements (e.g. product instructions, an infusion needle set, alcoholswabs, gauze pads, or band-aids) while preparing for an injection.

While the medical components potentially housed by containers 101according to embodiments of the present invention discussed herein haveprimarily been a syringe 200, a vial 300, and a vial adapter, in otherembodiments, the container 101 may be configured to store and/orreleasably hold product instructions, an infusion needle set, alcoholswabs, gauze pads, or band-aids. In some embodiments, these ancillaryelements may be alternatively be stored and/or held in a larger outerpackaging container that may be used to store and secure the container101 at various points in time during manufacture, distribution, sale,and/or use.

In other embodiments, a single container 101 may be configured to holdmultiple syringes 200, multiple vials 300, and/or multiple vialadapters. In various embodiments, the second member 104 may beconfigured to hold one, two, three, four, five, or more vials 300.

In addition, while exemplary embodiments of the present invention havebeen described as releasably holding specific components at either thefirst 102, second 104, or third 106 member of a container, the presentinvention need not be so limited. In some embodiments, a syringe 200 maybe releasably held by either the first 102, second 104, or third 106member, the vial 300 may be held by either the first 102, second 104, orthird 106 member, and the vial adapter 400 may be held by either thefirst 102, second 104, or third 106 member. In an embodiment, each ofthe syringe 200, vial 300, and vial adapter 400 may all be releasablyheld by a single one of the first 102, second 104, or third 106 member.

Furthermore, while many of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention have been described in the context of containers 101 with afirst 102, second 104, and third 106 member, containers 101 according toother embodiments of the present invention may have fewer or greaterthan three members.

In some embodiment of the present invention, different kits 100 and/orcontainers 101 may be designed for different therapeutics or dosesthereof. For example, certain containers 101 may hold certaintherapeutics having different concentrations, volumes, and/or strengths.In an embodiment, a portion of each container 101 may be colored with aspecific color, wherein the container 101 is color coded to indicate thetype of therapeutic and/or the dose of the therapeutic that it contains.

In another embodiment of the present invention, parts of the kits 100and/or containers 101 may include portions having product labeling.Labeling may be included by the addition of label stickers or by havingthe labeling printed, caved, molded, or otherwise formed on or in partsof the kits 100 and/or containers 101. In some embodiments the kits 100and/or containers 101 are labeled to indicate the type and/or dose ofthe therapeutic that they contain. In some embodiments, labeling may bepart of a larger outer packaging container for containing the container101, a sleeve surrounding the container 101, or other suitable means.

As previously discussed, therapeutic kits 100 may be sold for a widevariety of medicaments. In one embodiment of the present invention, atherapeutic kit 100 container 101 is configured for use with ahemophilia treatment kit.

Hemophilia is one of the most common inherited coagulation disorders inthe world. It results in decreased in vivo and in vitro blood clottingactivity, and requires extensive medical monitoring throughout the lifeof the affected individual. In the absence of intervention, theindividual affected by will suffer from spontaneous bleeding oftenleading to serious medical complications. In hemophilia, coagulation isdisturbed by a lack of certain plasma blood clotting factors. Forexample, hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency in Factor VIII (FVIII),while hemophilia B is caused by a deficiency in Factor IX (FIX). Each ofthese forms of hemophilia may result from either the decreased synthesisof the relevant blood clotting factor protein (e.g. FVIII or FIX) or adefective blood clotting factor protein with reduced activity.

The treatment of hemophilia occurs by replacing the missing bloodclotting factor protein by exogenous factor concentrates highly enrichedin the missing clotting factor. The necessary blood clotting factorproteins are typically administered at least several times a week viaintravenous injections to the individual affected by hemophilia using asyringe 200. While some affected individuals may receive injections froma caregiver, many individuals chose to self-administer injections, oftenfor reasons of cost and convenience.

Because individuals affected by hemophilia are highly susceptible toaccidental bleeding in everyday situations, stress points on tools (e.g.containers 101), stress points generated by environmental surfaces (e.g.the surface or edge of a table), and stresses resulting from unnaturalmovements of the body have the potential to cause microbleeds as theindividual interacts with tools in their environment. In the case ofroutine injections a therapeutic kit 100, particularly for affectedindividuals who self-administer treatments, even small positive changesin container 101 configurations and the movements necessary tomanipulate the container 101 and assemble its contents have thepotential to minimize microbleeds or other injuries to the individual.

Accordingly, therapeutic kit 100 containers 101 offering improvedergonomics, versatility, durability, and/or ease of use according toembodiments of the present invention may provide advantages to patientsor caregivers administering hemophilia treatments.

Because of the advantages of therapeutic kit 100 containers 101according to embodiments of the present invention, these containers maybe equally suited for the administration of other medicaments forpatients or caregivers with similar requirements (i.e. ergonomic,versatile, durable, and easy to use), such as, for example, arthritispatients.

It should be noted that while the present discussion focuses primarilyon therapeutic kit 100 containers 101, some embodiments of the devicecontainers described herein need not be limited to use with therapeutickits, and may be suitable for storing items for a variety ofnon-therapeutic and non-medical purposes.

The present invention has been described above by way of exemplaryembodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalences.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a syringe assembly foradministration of a therapeutic liquid, comprising: manuallymanipulating a therapeutic kit container comprised of a first member, asecond member, and a third member from a closed configuration to an openconfiguration; disposing at least a major surface of the second memberinto contact with a preparation surface; removing a vial adapter fromthe third member; coupling the vial adapter to a vial retained on thesecond member; removing a syringe barrel and a syringe plunger rod fromthe first member; forming a syringe assembly by coupling the syringeplunger rod to the syringe barrel; connecting the syringe assembly tothe vial adapter; extracting the therapeutic liquid from the vial intothe syringe assembly via the vial adapter; and decoupling the syringeassembly containing the therapeutic liquid from the vial adapter
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the container comprising the first, secondand third members is a unitary structure.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein manually manipulating the container from the closedconfiguration to the open configuration comprises causing the firstmember and the second member to move relative to one another about afirst hinge intermediate the first member and the second member.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein manually manipulating the container from theclosed configuration to the open configuration comprises causing thesecond member and the third member to move relative to one another abouta second hinge intermediate the second member and third member.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises first and secondsupport walls projecting from the first member, and removing the syringebarrel from the first member comprises removing the syringe barrel froma first structural feature formed in each of the first and secondsupport walls.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first structuralfeature formed in each of the first and second support walls is anarcuate depression configured to releasably mate with the syringebarrel.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein removing the syringe barrelfrom the first member comprises removing the syringe barrel from one ormore hooks projecting from the first member.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein The first member comprises first and second support wallsprojecting from the first member, and removing the syringe plunger rodfrom the first member comprises removing the syringe plunger rod from asecond a structural feature formed in each of the first and secondsupport walls.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second structuralsupport feature formed in each of the first and second support walls isa groove configured to releasably mate with the syringe plunger rod. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein removing the syringe plunger rod from thefirst member comprises removing the syringe plunger rod from one or morehooks projecting from the first member.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein coupling the vial adapter to the cap of the vial comprisespiercing the cap of the vial with an interior needle of the vialadapter.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein coupling the vial adapterto the vial comprises manually pressing the vial adapter down onto a topof the vial while the vial is retained on the second member such thatthe interior needle of the vial adapter pierces the top of the vial. 13.The method of claim 11, further comprising removing a cap from the vialbefore coupling the vial adapter to the vial.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein coupling the syringe assembly to the vial adapter comprisesconnecting a hub of the syringe barrel to a connector of the vialadapter.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the vial is retained withrespect to the second member by a sleeve formed on the second member.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sleeve comprises plural upwardlyextending walls separated by voids for releasably retaining the vialwith respect to the second member.
 17. The method of claim 1, whereinthe vial adapter comprises a peripheral skirt, and removing the vialadapter from the third member comprises removing the vial adapter skirtfrom slots formed on the third member.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the manual manipulation of the therapeutic kit containercomprises applying pressure to a release element formed on an exteriorsurface of the container.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein in theclosed configuration, a major surface of each of the first and thirdmembers are substantially parallel, and in the open configuration, themajor surface of each of the first and third members are notsubstantially parallel.